What is this medicine?

CLOZAPINE (KLOE za peen) is used to treat schizophrenia. This medicine is only used when others have not worked. It has a risk of serious side effects and is only available through a monitoring and dispensing system that includes special doctors, pharmacists, and laboratories. For the first few months of treatment, you will be required to have routine blood testing before your prescription can be refilled.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

being treated for cancer

blood disease or disorder, like leukemia

constipation, fecal impaction, or a history of an obstruction of the intestine

dementia

diabetes

heart disease

history of irregular heartbeat

kidney disease

liver disease

low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood

lung or breathing disease, like asthma

Parkinson's disease

phenylketonuria

seizures

an unusual or allergic reaction to clozapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. These tablets are made to dissolve in the mouth. Place the tablet in the mouth and allow it to dissolve, then swallow. While you may take these tablets with water, it is not necessary to do so. This medicine may be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

The tablets should stay in the unopened blister package until immediately before you take your dose. If you split the tablet as part of your dose, the half-tablet that is not taken should be destroyed. Do not save this half-tablet for later use.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss your medicine for more than 2 days, you should not restart your medicine at the same dose. Contact your doctor for instructions.